The rise of the ESHB: Three world-class horses from the Estonian studbook
The Estonian Sport Horse Breeders (ESHB) studbook has rapidly evolved from a regional initiative into a name of significance within the international showjumping scene. Through consistent quality selection and a well-considered breeding strategy, ESHB-bred horses are increasingly making their way to the world’s most prestigious arenas.
What may come as a surprise to many is that some of today’s most successful showjumpers trace their origins back to this very Estonian studbook. Among them are three outstanding ambassadors of Estonian breeding: Bonne Amie, the elegant powerhouse ridden by Abdel Said; QH Alfons Santo Antonio, the striking bay under Yuri Mansur; and Ace of Hearts, the intelligent jumping phenomenon partnered with Gregory Wathelet. In this article, we shine a spotlight on these three exceptional horses and explore how their success stories have brought the ESHB to global recognition.
Bonne Amie – Power, class, and character in perfect balance
With her impressive presence and commanding stature, Bonne Amie is the embodiment of modern sport horse breeding. This twelve-year-old, remarkably tall mare from the ESHB studbook combines strength and athleticism with exceptional intelligence in the arena. Sired by A Big Boy and out of Lara II—both proven 1.60m jumpers—her potential was evident from the very start. Under her long-time rider Abdel Said, Bonne Amie has fully realized that potential, propelling herself into the absolute world elite.
Together, Said and Bonne Amie form a partnership defined by precision, speed, and mutual trust. Their impressive record includes over one million euros in prize money and two victories in the prestigious 5* LGCT Grand Prix of Doha, a rare feat that cements her status among the sport’s elite. The mare has also been part of several international teams, including the European Championship team in La Coruña last summer. Bonne Amie is renowned for her lightning-fast jump-offs, her powerful, rhythmic canter, and her ability to perform under pressure. Abdel Said aptly describes her as “an exceptional mare”—a statement that captures not only her talent but also the unique connection between horse and rider. In Bonne Amie, everything the ESHB stands for comes together: scope, strength, and an indomitable will to win.
QH Alfons Santo Antonio – The unlikely legend with an unknown heritage
That a horse with largely unknown origins can rise to the very top of the sport is perfectly illustrated by QH Alfons Santo Antonio, formerly known as Alfons RA. Born in 2007 and bred under the ESHB studbook, this gelding is a living testament to natural ability and determination. With an almost unknown sire and only limited records of his dam line—only his dam and granddam are known—his rise through the international ranks is nothing short of remarkable.
Under Yuri Mansur, Alfons has become a fixture at the sport’s highest level. The pair has earned nearly €700,000 in prize money and impressed at both the Tokyo Olympic Games and the World Equestrian Games in Herning with powerful, composed rounds that showcased experience, intelligence, and deep trust between horse and rider. Before joining Mansur, Alfons was successfully campaigned by Estonian rider Rein Pill, achieving 1.60m success and laying the foundation for his later international triumphs.
Today, Alfons remains a consistent performer, boasting numerous podium finishes in 5* 1.60m competitions. His reliability, focus, and will to win make him every rider’s dream. Yuri Mansur describes him as “a truly dependable partner you can always count on—no jump is too high.” QH Alfons Santo Antonio stands as proof that greatness is not limited by pedigree, perfectly embodying the ESHB spirit: quality that defines itself, regardless of expectation.
Ace of Hearts – The clever fighter with the heart of a champion
The name Ace of Hearts carries a promise—and this fifteen-year-old gelding more than lives up to it. A striking representative of the ESHB studbook, he blends the finest KWPN bloodlines from his sire’s side with an Estonian dam line that has shaped his intelligence and competitive edge. Under the skilled guidance of Gregory Wathelet, Ace of Hearts has established himself as a reliable and formidable competitor at 1.60m level, earning his place among the world’s elite.
With over €575,000 in prize money, multiple podium finishes at 1.60m, and Grand Prix victories at 1.50m and 1.55m, Ace of Hearts exemplifies the blend of consistency and competitiveness that defines modern showjumping. His style is marked by blistering speed, sharp reflexes, and unwavering focus on the course ahead.
Wathelet describes him as a horse that “always gives everything to win”—a characterization that perfectly fits his bold, determined nature. More than just a talented athlete, Ace of Hearts is a strategic thinker with the heart of a champion, a horse who carries the ESHB banner proudly on the international stage and continues to prove that even a young studbook can produce horses capable of shaping the sport’s future.
ESHB: A small studbook with a global impact
The stories of Bonne Amie, QH Alfons Santo Antonio, and Ace of Hearts each highlight the remarkable strength and potential of the Estonian Sport Horse Breeders (ESHB) studbook. What these horses share is not only an exceptional record of achievement but also the ability to perform and excel at the very highest level—a feat made all the more impressive given the young and relatively small scale of the ESHB.
That three horses with such distinct backgrounds and qualities have risen to international prominence under world-class riders like Abdel Said, Yuri Mansur, and Gregory Wathelet speaks volumes about the quality, vision, and ambition of Estonian breeding. The ESHB demonstrates that dedication, an eye for athleticism, and faith in the horse’s potential can lead to global breakthroughs once thought improbable. With ambassadors of this caliber, the Estonian studbook has firmly secured its place among the world’s established breeding programs — and the future of ESHB breeding looks brighter than ever.
